Albright gives 'Romeo & Juliet' a twist
Shakespeare on Clark returns this July under new management. Batavia's Albright Theatre Company takes over the annual summer event with a down-and-dirty, French Quarter-inspired adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
In one of Shakespeare's most beloved tragedies, star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet are swept up into a storm of turbulent romance as they struggle to free themselves from the prejudices of their feuding families.
"I am so excited and proud to be a part of our first year producing Shakespeare on Clark," says director and Albright Theatre board member Jeni Dees. "I can't think of a better way to kick off the Albright's 35th season than sharing this great classic with the community under the stars!"
The Albright production places the action in modern-day New Orleans amid the revelry of Mardi Gras, the foreboding of the sprawling cemeteries and the magic and danger of Bourbon Street.
With a pounding rock soundtrack and a drug and alcohol-fueled "fight-first, talk later" attitude, this R&J is definitely not your great-great grandfather's Shakespeare. But it offers a powerful message to today's youth about how the choices they make will affect their destiny.
Dees credits her actors with finding the perfect balance between the tragic themes and flights of romance the play demands.
"The passion this cast has is sometimes overwhelming, and they have come together beautifully to bring this story to life," she says.
Chicago residents Scott Miller and Holly Robison star as Romeo and Juliet.
Tim Borneman (Yorkville), Eric Clement (Naperville), Marea Clement (Naperville), Veronica Krystal (St. Charles), Kyle Lippold (Yorkville), DeWayne Logan (Bartlette), Evelyn Martin (Naperville), Johnathan McCray (Naperville), Kevan McCellan (Chicago), Nicolette Pollack (Batavia), Jim Oberg (Yorkville), Sarah Odenbach (Plano), Robert Richardson (Wheaton), Ish Rios (South Elgin), Enan Hehegham (Chicago), Brian Witt (Naperville), Jonathan Witt (Naperville) and Nikki Wilson (Naperville) fill out the cast.
Shakespeare on Clark runs Saturdays and Sundays, July 19, 20, 26 and 27 on Clark Island in Batavia. Saturday evening performances begin at 7 p.m., with preshow entertainment and picnicking beginning at 6 p.m.
Sunday evening performances begin at 6 p.m., with preshow entertainment and picnicking beginning at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $5. For more information, call (630) 406-8838 or visit the Albright Theatre website at www.albrighttheatre.com.